Food Forests And Landscape Restoration – Advanced Masterclass

This five-day Advanced Masterclass will explore food forests from farm-scale implementation to landscape-level integration. Participants will engage with pioneering practitioners, visit key agroforestry and rewilding sites, and discuss challenges and opportunities in agroforestry, including ecological design, water management, climate adaptation, business models, market access and consumer engagement. The program includes hands-on learning, discussions and a structured ‘think tank session’ to generate actionable insights for creating resilient and productive landscapes.

This course will bring together people with different fields of knowledge and experiences, to be able to build an integrated approach.

What You Will Learn

This immersive five-day course offers a unique blend of field-based learning, expert exchange, and interactive dialogue, equipping participants with the tools, insights, and networks needed to implement and scale food forest systems—from farm to landscape level.

Knowledge & Skills Gained

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the principles of food forest design and agroecology
• Learn how to scale food forests from individual plots to landscape-level integration
• Explore how food forests contribute to climate adaptation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods
• Gain insights into agri-wilding: integrating rewilding and productive land use
• Discuss the role of food forests in improving soil health, water retention, and ecological resilience
• Learn to design viable business models around food forest products and services
• Discover strategies for consumer engagement, education, and market access
• Gain hands-on experience at exemplary sites including Ketelbroek Food Forest, Millingerwaard, and Biesterhof

Site-Based Learning Includes

• Ketelbroek Food Forest: Ecological design, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and long-term vision with founder Wouter van Eck
• Millingerwaard Rewilding Area: Large-scale rewilding and river landscape restoration
• Biesterhof Regenerative Farm: Nature-inclusive agriculture, agroforestry, and food production
• Klever Reichswald (Germany) and De Bruuk Natura 2000 site: Cross-border forest dynamics, habitat restoration, and connectivity

Topics Covered

• Ecological land management and water-smart design
• Agroforestry and rewilding synergies ("agri-wilding")
• Soil regeneration and climate-smart farming
• Policy, planning, and integration with nature reserves
• Revenue streams from nuts, fruits, vegetables, tourism, and education
• Participatory design, community engagement, and cooperative farming
• Action-oriented strategy: A ‘Think Tank’ session to co-create ideas for scaling and collaboration

Who Should Join?

This course is ideal for:

• Farmers and landowners
• Landscape planners and restoration practitioners
• Ecologists and agroforestry professionals
• Policy makers and sustainability consultants
• Community leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs
• Anyone eager to advance regenerative, nature-based solutions at scale